Having weathered challenging work environments in his career, Ray Sprinkle, CEO and president of URM Stores Inc., was determined to create a different kind of workplace when he joined the Spokane, Washington-based company – one characterized by positivity and support. Instead of micromanaging, Sprinkle prefers a hands-off approach, focusing on hiring highly qualified people, trusting […]
Category: West
Posted inCorporate Store News, Executive News, West
Grocery Outlet Names Potter As President, CEO
Emeryville, California-based Grocery Outlet has appointed Jason Potter as its president and CEO, effective Feb. 3. He also will join the company’s board of directors. Potter succeeds Eric J. Lindberg Jr., who has served as interim president and CEO since October. Lindberg also serves as chairman of the board and will continue in that capacity […]
Posted inFood Industry Hall of Fame, Executive News, West, Wholesaler/Distributor News
Sprinkle Hailed For Visionary Leadership, Strong Commitment To Mentorship
When he was 14, Ray Sprinkle was hired to sort soda bottles in the back of the grocery store his father ran in Kansas. Sprinkle didn’t know it at the time, but he would go on to spend the bulk of his 50-plus-year professional career – and make a name for himself – in that […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, Market Profile, West
At Hawaii-Based KTA, ‘We Are What We Are Because Of Our Community’
Toby Taniguchi is the yonsei of his family’s company on the Big Island of Hawai’i. That is, he is the fourth generation to lead the business, Puna Plantation Hawaii Ltd., based in Hilo. The company comprises businesses including six KTA Super Stores, KTA Express, five KTA Pharmacy locations and K. Takata Store, which Puna Plantation […]
Posted inBakery News, West
Dave’s Killer Bread Launches Organic Snack Bites
Dave’s Killer Bread, an organic bread brand based in Milwaukie, Oregon, is growing its on-the-go snack product line with the national launch of organic snack bites. Each flavor combines whole grain nutrition with simple ingredients that consumers know, featuring a new crunchy texture to meet current snacking desires. Crafted with organic nuts, seeds and grains […]
Posted inMarket Profile, Association News, West
Beauty, Challenges Are Dual Realities In Isolated, Expensive Hawaii
For all its natural beauty, welcoming people and myriad other charms, Hawaii does have its share of challenges economically, which impact the islands’ food store operators. Alexis Chapman, director of operations for the Hawaii Food Industry Association in Honolulu, on the island of Oahu, said the state’s economy is growing but still faces some unique […]
Posted inSnacks Brands, West
The Wonderful Co. Commits $10 Million To California Wildfire Relief
The Wonderful Co. is committing $10 million to fire relief efforts in the Los Angeles area. Immediate donations will focus on providing real-time support to first responders, both firefighters and police, with donations expanding over time to broader relief efforts. The company also announced it would double all L.A. fire-related donations made by its 10,000 […]
Posted inIndependent Store News, International Foods, West
Island Pacific Supermarkets Holds Volunteer Campaign For Wildfire Relief
Island Pacific Supermarket recently completed a community-driven campaign, with volunteers joining efforts to assemble care packs and distribute food and beverages to wildfire-affected areas of Los Angeles. To continue its efforts, Island Pacific is extending its free meals for first responders program until Jan. 20. Relief goods were delivered to the L.A. Regional Food Bank in City of […]